Gdansk is one of Poland's oldest and most beautiful cities, sitting on the edge of the Baltic Sea. Looking around today, it is difficult to imagine that during World War II, much of the city was reduced to rubble. Painstakingly reconstructed and great skill, the Hanseatic architecture and historical treasures rose like a phoenix from the ruins.
The history of this city is what is most interesting about our visit here today. We set out first on a bus tour and then continue on a walking tour of the city and old town. You can tell the old buildings by their brick structure. Not many of those buildings exist because 75% of the city was demolished in WWII. The history of back and forth between Russia and Germany invading is horrendous. Ultimately, Stalin grabs Poland after WWII until independence from the communist regime in 1989 with the Solidarity Union and Lech Walesa. We just don’t realize how precious our freedom is. The Solidarity Museum is an emotional experience as we see the enormous suffering that communism/socialism ultimately brings as it leads the way to totalitarian regimes that silence the people.
Gdansk has certainly earned its place in the history books of Europe!
Silver Moon sets sail at 6:30 p.m. for Ronne, Denmark. We meet friends for cocktails at the Venetian Lounge and listen to one of our favorite singers, Aleks (from the Ukraine), singing Opera, Pop and songs from his homeland accompanied by pianist Aleksandra.
Dinner and then off to the Panorama for a show "Simply Divine"....great evening.
